Chicago visitors who are looking for a few laughs while visiting the “Windy City,” have many entertainment options to choose from in. The comedy clubs in Chicago often feature up-and-coming comedy stars, as well as nationally known acts. There are big name comedy clubs in Chicago, as well as inexpensive comedy clubs showcasing the best of Chicago’s comedic talents. Most comedy clubs in Chicago are busiest on the weekends, so planning ahead with ticket reservations and an early arrival to the show can be very helpful.
The comedy clubs in Chicago offer comedy for all types of preferences. Those who are looking for a well-established comedy club, with bigger names, will be sure to enjoy one of Chicago’s more recognized comedy clubs. Others may prefer a more laid back comedy club which features free, or nearly free admission, and a chance to watch some of the newest Chicago comedians hone their comedy talents. There are even free student shows available at some of the Chicago comedy clubs.
One of the most renowned comedy clubs in Chicago is Second City. The Chicago location is one of the Second City clubs, with other locations in Detroit, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Toronto. Second City is known for launching the careers of several famous comedians, including Gilda Radner, Jim Belushi, Mike Myers, and Bill Murray. The comedy acts featured at Second City are usually first rate.
Admission to Second City is $19 for the 8 pm shows on weekdays, and $25 for weekend shows at 8 pm and 11 pm. This price covers admission to the current No Country for Old White Men production by director, Jim Carlson. Another show, The Best of Second City offers a Monday night show at 8 pm for $14, and a Saturday Matinee seating at 4 pm for $19.
Drinks, snacks, and pitchers of beer are available for purchase during shows, though service can be slower with a full house. The Second City Mainstage seats 290 people, and on weekends it can feel packed. It is advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show to get decent seating and the chance to order a drink and food items.
Second City is located at 1616 North Wells Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60614. For more information about current comedy shows, tickets, or upcoming special events, please visit the official website, www.secondcity.com, or phone (312) 664-4032.
iO Theater
The iO Theater is sometimes thought of as an alternative to Second City for those who want a cheaper night of comedy in a laid back atmosphere. The iO Theater is open seven nights a week, making it a convenient comedy club for those who want to have a fun night out on a weekday night. The iO even has a free improv show on Wednesday nights, which typically features three groups of comedians. The Wednesday show starts at 8 pm.
The iO Theater has two separate areas in the theater, the Del Close Theater and the the Cabaret Theater. The iO Theater offers a variety of popular comedy shows, including the popular Improvised Shakespeare and the musical comedy troupe, Cupid has a Heart On. Ticket prices range from free admission to student shows to the general $14 ticket for one of the more established comedy shows. Beer, wine, and liquor are available for purchase at the bar in both the Del Close and Cabaret Theaters.
The iO Theater is located at 3541 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60657. The official website is www.iochicago.net, and the phone number for iO Theater is (773) 880-0199.
The Comedy Sportz Theater
The Comedy Sportz Theater offers guests comedy that has a more family oriented approach for many of the comedy shows. The main type of comedy at the Comedy Sportz Theater is improv and there is quite a bit of audience participation used in each comedy act. The earlier shows at Comedy Sportz Theater offer “clean” comedy, appropriate for older children and teens accompanied by an adult.
One of the hottest comedy acts at Comedy Sportz Theater is the Saturday midnight show, featuring Hot Karl. This show is an adult-oriented comedy show. Drinks are avaialable for purchase at the bar and the seating area is a mix of small tables and seats in the back. For more information about comedy show times or other information, visit the official website, www.comedysportzchicago.com.
The Comedy Sportz Theater is located at 929 W. Belmont, Chicago, Illinois, 60657. The phone number for Comedy Sportz Theater is (773) 549-8080.
Zanies Comedy Club
Zanies Comedy Club is a popular Chicago comedy club which features a mix of both local and national talent. One of the stand out perks for locals is the frequent free or discounted admissions promoted for Chicago residents and those who work in the area. The comedy at Zanies Comedy Club lasts for approximately 2 hours for each show.
Beer and wine are the main drinks offered at Zanies Comedy Club, and there is a two drink minimum at shows. The seating arrangements are on benches and chairs in the club, and there may be times when the seating feels crowded, at busier times. A ticket for Zanies Comedy Club is priced at $25, and the main acts are typically at 10:30 pm.
Zanies Comedy Club has a website for more information regarding comedy shows and times, www.chicago.zanies.com, as well as a phone contact number, (312) 337-4027. Zanies Comedy Club is located at 1548 N. Wells, Chicago, Illinois, 60610.
Chicago Underground Comedy
One of the smaller comedy clubs in Chicago is Chicago Underground Comedy. This unique and lesser known comedy club has been known to entertain many visitors with the always different stand-up comedy routines of the comedians. There is a $5 admission for the Tuesday comedy show at Chicago Underground Theater.
Chicago Underground Theater is located at 2100 W. Belmont, Chicago, Illinois, 60618. For more information regarding comedy shows at Chicago Underground Theater, please call (312) 719-5476, or visit the official website at www.chicagoundergroundcomedy.com.
